DEL. DAVID ALBO is chairman of the Virginia State Crime Commission, so the Fairfax Republican is naturally inclined to support measures that help police solve crimes.

With that aim in mind, he backed legislation that would have prevented police from asking crime victims and witnesses about their immigration status.

Richmond police adopted the rule when they discovered thugs preyed on Latinos in the belief that most of their victims would be afraid to report the crimes. Robberies have declined because of the policy, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Legislation to apply that lesson statewide unanimously passed the Senate, where it was viewed as a laudable law-and-order measure. In the House, however, it was portrayed as a pro-immigrant bill and was defeated, over Albo's objections, last week.

That "serves them right" attitude is shocking when applied to rape, robbery and assault victims.

In their rush to embrace mean-spirited immigration policies, delegates have missed an opportunity to make their communities safer.